Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on March 15 held a meeting with his Lao
counterpart Thongsing Thammavong to discuss ways to boost cooperative
ties between the two countries.

Both leaders
expressed their pleasure at the developing cooperative relations between
the two countries, especially in economics, trade and investment.

In 2012, two-way trade reached 850 million USD, an increase of 17
percent against the previous year. The same year, Vietnam became one
of Laos ’ leading investors with 440 projects and a total capital
investment of 5.38 billion USD.

The two leaders
affirmed that they will create all favourable conditions for businesses
from both sides to cooperate in economics, trade and investment.

They directed the ministries, departments and localities to
effectively implement the agreements signed between the two countries,
which aim to significantly develop bilateral cooperation in the coming
time.

The meeting is part of Dung’s working tour of Laos ’ northern provinces , including Houaphan and Xieng Khouang.

While in Houaphan, Dung offered incense at the Vietnamese Volunteer
Soldiers Monument , and Lao Heroes and Martyrs Monument .

Dung and the Lao PM also attended a ceremony to begin construction on
Vieng Xay Revolutionary Museum and improvements to Pha Deng
Cave historical relic.-VNA